JINDABYNE Central School (JCS) students were treated to a performance by a contemporary Australian quartet as part of the renowned Musica Viva program.

The quartet, named Jacana, performed Sounds of the Australian Spirit - compositions that took students on a musical journey through the urban, coastal and outback landscapes of Australia.

Musicians Sam Kelson, Dan Williams, Sarah Jameson and Bianca Zatz played clarinet, viola, cello and keyboards respectively as they performed music from distinct periods of Australian history inspired by jazz, classical and contemporary styles.

Ms Kelson said she had been inspired by the stunning Snowy Mountains landscape during their visit to Jindabyne, which had reinvigorated their music.

"We play a lot of music about the Australian landscape and the Australian story so it's great to be in the Australian landscape and be able to experience it," she said.

"It gives new life to the music we play."

JCS students had the opportunity at the end of the performance to quiz the quartet, with questions ranging from how long each musician had been playing to how they managed to fit all their instruments into a car.